Just Persevere.

Many times in leadership or in roles where creation or business is the focus, difficult seasons have a way of lingering longer than we’d like. So, we innovate. We make the necessary changes. We do our best to stay positive.

But we’re human. And eventually, the extra effort starts to wear us down.

Lately, I’m hearing this story from many business owners and leaders. It’s been a tough stretch across many industries over the past several years. Some leaders have risen to the occasion. Others have walked away in search of a simpler path forward.

Both of those responses are normal. They’ve repeated themselves throughout history. As the wise Solomon once said, "There is nothing new under the sun."

But if you’re reading this and you're feeling the strain, yet deep down you know you’re called to this path, my best advice is this:
Just persevere.

Let’s define that for a moment:

per·se·vere: to persist in a state, enterprise, or undertaking in spite of counterinfluences, opposition, or discouragement. To continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty.

For those of us who started something, chose to be part of something, or felt called to a particular field, difficulty was part of the deal. It was never a reason to quit.

Most of us began this journey knowing it wouldn’t be easy… but we believed it would be worth it. Any mission worth pursuing will require risk. It will demand hard work. That’s why we keep showing up, even when it feels like no one sees, no one cares, or when we ourselves wonder if it will make a difference.

Still—we press on.

The Bible has something to say about moments like these:

James 1:12

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

Leaders often face trials. James connects perseverance with eternal reward—encouraging us to stay faithful under pressure.

Galatians 6:9

“Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

A powerful call to persistent leadership—especially when fruit isn’t immediately visible.

Romans 5:3–4

“We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

These seasons are not wasted. They shape your character and deepen your hope—critical for leaders becoming more like Christ.

So if this is you today, count the pressure you’re under as formation. Your character is being refined. And yes, you do have hope.

If the mission you’re on was a chosen one, remember what you love about it. When your heart first decided on it, something stirred in you. Don’t forget that. Revisit your calling. Reclaim your joy, even in the difficulty.

Stand the test of time.

When the season of reaping comes, you’ll look back on these trials with gratitude. They’ll become the stories you tell, and some of your proudest memories. So examine your mission again. And if it still passes the test of your heart…

Just persevere.

-Mark